Crochet facts for kids

Crochet is a way of creating fabric from yarn or thread using a crochet hook to pull loops of yarn through other loops. It is similar to knitting, except that usually only one loop is active at one time, and that a crochet hook is used instead of knitting needles. Also, crochet can not be made by machine. Crochet uses more yarn than knitting but is faster to make by hand.

Crochet is used to make clothing, household items like tablecloths, blankets and potholders, and toys. Lace is often made by crocheting, though it can be made by knitting and weaving as well.

Crocheting is also a great craft for younger children. The stitches are easy and their small hands are able to hold the crochet hook. They are also able to see progress very quickly and that motivates them to continue. It is very easy to start again after setting the project down, which will help to keep young people involved in the craft.

Crocheting

Stitch Abbreviations

Basic

• ch: chain stitch
• yoh: yarn over hook
• bl: back loops
• fl: front loops
• rs: right side
• ws: wrong side
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tc: triple crochet
• sk or sk st: skip stitch
• sl st: slip stitch
• rnd: round(s)
• *: repeat instructions following the "*"

Advanced

• bp: back post
• fp: front post
• bpdc: back post double crochet
• fpdc: front post double crochet
• tog: together
• dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together
• hdc: half double crochet
• dec: decrease

US and UK Terminologies

The US and the UK use different names for the same crochet stitches. If you are using a pattern, make sure you know if it uses US or UK terminology so you read it correctly.

Here are the main differences.

Images for kids

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  19th century crochet from Orvieto, Italy

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  A crocheted purse described in 1823 in Penélopé

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  Tambour embroidery in the Diderot Encyclopedia

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  Shepherd's hook, 19th-century tapered hook, modern inline hook

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  Detail of a Portuguese crocheted tablecloth, about 1970

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  Irish crochet lace, late 19th century. The design of this example is closely based on Flemish needle lace of the 17th century.

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  Filet crochet by an internee at Manzanar War Relocation Center, 1943. Photograph by Ansel Adams

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  Detail on gold thread crochet in a mid-20th century short jacket designed by Sybil Connolly

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  Bags and hacky sack tapestry crocheted in Guatemala.

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  Aluminium crochet hooks

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  A hank of wool yarn (center) is uncoiled into its basic loop. A tie is visible at the left; after untying, the hank may be wound into a ball or balls suitable for crocheting. Crocheting from a normal hank directly is likely to tangle the yarn, producing snarls.

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  Transformation of a hank of lavender silk yarn (top) into a ball in which the yarn emerges from the center (bottom). Using the latter is better for needlework, since the yarn is much less likely to tangle.

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  The two possible twists of yarn

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  A close view of a crocheted scarf made with lace-weight mohair yarn.

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  Some crochet symbols, abbreviations, and US/UK terms

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  Knitting uses two or more straight needles that carry multiple stitches.

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  Unlike crochet, knitting requires specialized needles to create circular rounds.

See also

In Spanish: Ganchillo para niños